Controller, Regional

As Canada’s largest environmental charity, the Nature Conservancy of Canada has worked with partners to conserve natural landscapes since 1962. Together, we deliver solutions to address the dual crises of biodiversity loss and climate change through large-scale and long-term conservation. We create lasting change for the planet and its people by partnering with Indigenous Nations and communities, governments and businesses around shared interests. Nature makes it possible. To learn more, visit natureconservancy.ca.

Position Summary

The Regional Controller is responsible for managing the financial activities of NCC's Atlantic Operating Unit. This includes financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and compliance with accounting regulations. The Regional Controller reports directly to the Regional Vice President and will be the regional liaison with the Director, Regional Finance & /CFO and the Central Office of NCC with respect to financial information and reporting, sits on the Senior Management Team within the Operating Unit, and ensures financial literacy of the entire team. The primary outcome of this role is to ensure the financial stability and growth of the organization's regional operations, which in turn contributes to the fulfillment of NCC’s overall vision and mandate by enabling the effective allocation of resources and funding for regional projects and initiatives. 

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Reporting and Analysis: The regional controller must ensure accurate and timely financial reporting to maintain the trust of donors and stakeholders. This includes the preparation of quarterly, and annual financial statements, monthly analysis of financial data to identify trends, and development of financial forecasts and projections. This responsibility also includes ensuring compliance with accounting principles and regulatory requirements. Accurate financial reporting is essential to making informed decisions about program priorities and resource allocation.
• Oversight of Grant Management and Compliance: Managing external donor funding is a critical responsibility for the regional controller. This includes reviewing funding proposals, ensuring compliance with grant requirements, monitoring grant spending, preparing financial reports for donors, and coordinating with program managers to ensure that grant activities align with financial goals. The controller will have good working knowledge of available funding to leverage funds to maximise outcomes. Effective grant management is essential to maintaining donor relationships, securing future funding, and achieving program goals.
• Budgeting and Planning: The regional controller is responsible for developing and managing budgets for the region and program activities. This includes collaborating with the regional senior management team for the budget and program managers for the program budgets to set budgetary goals, tracking expenses, and monitoring variances between actual and budgeted spending. Additionally, a regional controller is responsible for developing long-term financial plans and providing strategic financial guidance to senior management. Effective budgeting and planning are essential to achieving program goals and ensuring financial sustainability.
• Team Management and Development: the regional controller is responsible for managing their finance team, overseeing day-to-day accounting activities, and providing guidance and direction to team members. This includes recruiting, hiring, and training staff, conducting performance evaluations, and providing ongoing coaching and development opportunities to team members. Effective team management and development are essential to maintaining a strong financial function and ensuring the effective use of resources.
• Leadership and Strategic Thinking: As part of the regional leadership team, the regional controller envisions the big picture, analyzes, and implements plans that align with the long-term goals and vision of the organization. These are crucial skills to create a competitive edge, foster innovation, and adapt to changing environments.
• Internal Controls and Compliance: Ensure the organization's financial policies and procedures are in compliance with internal and external regulatory requirements. This includes developing and implementing internal control systems, managing risk, and conducting regular internal reviews to identify potential areas of financial risk or exposure. Strong internal controls and compliance are essential to maintaining donor trust and ensuring the effective use of resources.
• Other Duties: the regional controller may be required to perform other duties as assigned. These may include ad-hoc financial analysis, reviews of agreements, financial commitments and contracts to be issued by the region before finalization, project management, or other tasks related to financial operations and reporting. The time spent on these responsibilities will vary depending on the needs of the region.

Position Requirements

• Accounting designation, CPA
• University degree in related discipline
• Minimum of 5 years of demonstrated management and leadership experience within a complex work environment, including responsibility for overseeing a team, managing multifaceted projects, and implementing strategic initiatives
• Experience in all accounting areas including AP, AR, Land Purchase, Fund Accounting, Projects Accounting, and Financial Statement Analysis

How to Apply

NCC is an equal opportunity employer. If you are interested in joining our team, please submit your cover letter, resume and salary expectations through our Career Centre.

Application Deadline

January 31, 2025 | 11:59pm EST, 9:59pm Mountain Time, 8:59pm Pacific Time, 10:50pm CST, 00:59 am +1 AST

NCC hires based on merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We strive for bold conservation achievements in which equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) are the norm. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. NCC implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. 

Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. For a confidential inquiry, contact us by email at hr@natureconservancy.ca to make any required arrangements. If you have questions regarding accessible employment at NCC, please email us at hr@natureconservancy.ca